Hulkenberg: 'I left Force India on an absolute high!'

Nico Hulkenberg thoroughly enjoyed his period racing for Force India and his last season in particular, but felt compelled to move on to new pastures.

Speaking to Formula1.com, the German driver said he had no complaints whatsoever about Vijay Mallya's outfit which achieved its best ever result when it finished fourth in the Constructor's championship.

"After my long ‘marriage’ with Force India I felt I needed a new girlfriend! " Hulk explained.

"Jokes aside, I am deeply grateful to Force India and left on an absolute high note. We had the most successful year in the history of Force India: P4 in the constructors’ championship.

"That almost felt like dreaming the impossible dream - and the dream came true! Nevertheless, I am convinced that switching to a works team is the right step for me to achieve new successes. Both Renault and myself are challengers with good potential."

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Renault's ambition to return to the winner's circle is a long term plan, and one in which Hulkenberg hopes to play an instrumental role as he seeks to capitalize on the benefits enjoyed by a powerful manufacturer.

"At Force India we were ‘best of the rest’ behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. But then again, we didn’t have the prerequisites and sheer power of manufacturers, who enter the competition under completely different conditions.

At Force India we turned a little into a lot. At Renault the next few years will be about turning a participant into a real contender - one that makes use of the advantages of a manufacturer in the best way possible to achieve the racing success of the past. And believe me, we will!"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.